What is KOSPI?

KOSPI is the benchmark index of South Korea's main stock market, tracking the companies listed on the KRX KOSPI market.

Last reviewed Sep 29, 2026

KOSPI (Korea Composite Stock Price Index) is the headline index for the main board of the Korea Exchange (KRX). The same name is often used for the market itself—the “KOSPI market”—where South Korea’s largest companies are listed.

Composition

KOSPI is a market-capitalization-weighted index of the common stocks listed on the KOSPI market. Large exporters in semiconductors, autos, batteries, shipbuilding, and financials make up a big share, so the index is sensitive to global trade and the technology cycle. The KOSPI 200, a subset of 200 large, liquid stocks, underlies many index funds and derivatives.

Trading basics for foreign investors

The regular session runs in Korea Standard Time (KST, UTC+9), which is overnight for the Americas.
Prices are in Korean won, so returns for foreign investors also depend on the exchange rate.
Access is usually through a broker offering international trading, a Korea-focused ETF, or US-listed ADRs of certain companies.

KOSPI vs. KOSDAQ

KOSDAQ is Korea’s second market, oriented toward smaller and technology/growth companies. Moving from KOSDAQ to the KOSPI market is common as companies grow.

This glossary entry is general information, not investment advice.